Unite Students (UTG.L) said trading for the 2026/27 academic year remains in line with expectations, despite a slower start to the sales cycle, and announced a 100 million pounds share buyback programme funded by surplus capital from deferred development activity.
The company reported that 64 percent beds for 2026/27 have been reserved, slightly below last year, but the guidance for occupancy of 93 - 96 percent and rental growth of 2 - 3 percent. Management said demand from university partners remains strong, supported by a growing 18 - year-old population, and that weaker markets such as Nottingham, Sheffield and Leicester are showing improved reservations following price adjustments.
The group reiterated its adjusted earnings guidance of 47.5 - 48.25p per share for 2025 and said it remains on track to return to earnings growth from 2027.
Unite said the Competition and Markets Authority has conditionally cleared its acquisition of Empiric Student Property, with completion expected later this month, and that cost-cutting efforts, including a restructuring that reduced head office costs by about 20 percent, will support margins in 2026.
The company said it remains focused on operational efficiency, disciplined capital allocation and returning excess capital to shareholders while continuing to invest selectively in high-tariff university partnerships.
UTG.L currently trades at 577 pounds or 0.87 percent higher on the London Stock Exchange.
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April 24, 2026 15:15 ET Economics news flow was relatively light this week even as the conflict in the Middle East continued, raising concerns for policymakers. In the U.S., spending data, initial jobless claims and pending home sales were the highlights. Business confidence in the biggest euro area economy was in focus in Europe. Inflation data from Japan gained attention in Asia.